When Mike Wetherington, East Carolina ’82, arrived at ECU in 1978, he had no idea that the connections made through Sigma Phi Epsilon would become lifelong friendships. Mike cherishes the North Carolina Kappa network that has provided him a social foundation for life.

“There was just something special in the water from 1975-85,” Mike said about his undergraduate SigEp era. He had a great undergraduate experience with memorable parties and social events while growing professional skills through terms as treasurer and vice president. “It was certainly a great school experience.”

“Other than being a husband, father and grandfather, SigEp was the greatest experience of my life.”

Beyond college, Mike pursued operating his own businesses before working with Eagle Snacks, an Anheuser-Busch brand, for 11 years after a SigEp alumnus referred him for an interview. When Eagle Snacks shut down, Mike started a new business called ADC to supply chemicals to water plants. Mike credits his experience as a SigEp executive officer with teaching him how to work with others and preparing him for life as an entrepreneur. “Our third business did exceptionally well; we sold it in 2020, and our fourth business, Jackson Morgan Southern Cream, is doing fine.”

When Mike moved to Gallatin, Tennessee, in 2022, he didn’t expect to have the chance to reconnect with an Ohio SigEp he had met 41 years prior. “We sat down at the house with him and a few other U.S. Marines who came by, and 40 years later, we live nearly a mile apart. The world is small!”

Mike’s SigEp loyalty compelled him to contribute $9,500 for undergraduate relief following the house fire in 2009. Shortly afterward, Robbie Brooks emailed Mike to thank him for helping Robbie’s son and other North Carolina Kappa undergraduates. It was the completion of a full-circle moment: 25 years earlier, Robbie had helped Mike with an exam for his electrical business license.

Four decades beyond his college years, Mike still enjoys gathering with North Carolina Kappa alumni and their spouses, many of whom were SigEp little sisters.

This article is shared from the North Carolina Kappa newsletter in the Alumni Communications Program.